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Pine Ridge Portraits #1
Secrets on the Wind
Witness the miracle as treasures of darkness are brought to light. It seems to be a typical US Army post in 1878. But in the midst of the regimented daily routine … … a grieving sergeant harbors bitterness and guilt in his broken heart, … a desperate young woman struggles to recover from the trauma inflicted by unimaginable circumstances, … a new recruit with a changed identity seeks to escape the mistakes of his past, and among them, a woman feels called to embrace these people in need and the secrets that cripple them. Award-winning, best-selling author Stephanie Grace Whitson has been writing full time since 1994. Her published books include over two dozen novels and two works of non-fiction. She received her MA in Historical Studies from Nebraska Wesleyan University in May of 2012 and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer on a variety of historical and inspirational topics, for both civic organizations and church groups. Stephanie resides in southeast Nebraska, where her family, her church, historical research, antique quilts, and Kitty—her motorcycle—all rank high on her list of “favorite things.”
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2003
282 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
54 books341 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 10, 2025
The reader is drawn into the beginning of the book when two soldiers discover a living, extremely pitiful, filthy woman trapped in a cellar who had been protected by a dog at the trap door during an Indian attack. Both dog and man-of-the-house were killed. Her response to being found was like a wild animal trying to rip them apart. Clearly she had been abused and half starved so badly she tried to take her life.
After Laina's attempt on her life, they took her to their fort where Granny Max (an ex-slave) nursed her and cared for her so deeply that Laina began to actually feel human. Her journey to health, both physically and emotionally was a wonderful read.
One of the soldiers who saved her, Sergeant Boone, felt a form of protective bond with her, and his closeness to Granny Max had him coming over often.
When weeks later Laina saw another man from her shameful past the emotions were palpable. However, God in His infinite wisdom showed Laina answers to prayers she could not have imagined.
This one surprised me. It's a case of what you think is most likely to happen just might not. I can’t say I like the twist that came about, but at least it wasn’t predictable.
Still, all in all, a good book.
After Laina's attempt on her life, they took her to their fort where Granny Max (an ex-slave) nursed her and cared for her so deeply that Laina began to actually feel human. Her journey to health, both physically and emotionally was a wonderful read.
One of the soldiers who saved her, Sergeant Boone, felt a form of protective bond with her, and his closeness to Granny Max had him coming over often.
When weeks later Laina saw another man from her shameful past the emotions were palpable. However, God in His infinite wisdom showed Laina answers to prayers she could not have imagined.
This one surprised me. It's a case of what you think is most likely to happen just might not. I can’t say I like the twist that came about, but at least it wasn’t predictable.
Still, all in all, a good book.
March 22, 2016
Thanks for the recommendation, Crystal. I read this one years ago, way before I started keeping track of books on Goodreads. It's well worth another read! After a terrible tragedy a young woman is found in a hidden basement, the trapdoor had been hidden by a huge dog who gave his life to protect. She is little more than a wild animal when rescued and taken to Camp Robinson. Granny Max helps her to heal, body and soul and shows her the way of kindness by her actions and through praying for her. A high action book that I couldn't put down and read in less than a day!
March 18, 2016
great book. slow to start but once it gets interesting it takes off like wildfire. Set in the 1870s on an army camp, hearts are mended, faith is tested in the face of tragedy and the demons within are always the worst of all enemies and hardest to fight off. good book but you must give yourself time to get into it.
October 15, 2018
Who the characters end up with in the end made zero sense to me, and I felt like I missed something in the plot.
October 27, 2018
Great Book
This is a well written book on the grace of God and His redemption no matter what our past. Beautifully written.
This is a well written book on the grace of God and His redemption no matter what our past. Beautifully written.
September 2, 2018
This volume included 3 Novels - Secrets on the Wind, Watchers on the Hill and Footprints on the Horizon by Stephanie Grace Whitson. This is clean, inspirational, light romance Historical Fiction.
I loved the characters in all three novels and how the each of the stories unfolded from one to the other. Granny Max, Laina Gray, and Clara Joy Jackson were a few of my favourites.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction, I believe there is something here for young adults as well as older adults. Enjoy!
I loved the characters in all three novels and how the each of the stories unfolded from one to the other. Granny Max, Laina Gray, and Clara Joy Jackson were a few of my favourites.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction, I believe there is something here for young adults as well as older adults. Enjoy!
October 13, 2018
Secrets on the Wind
I chose a five star rating, which I only give to the books I feel are entertaining, with well written plots and believable characters. This book qualifies.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for the late 1800s western genre of rough, but satisfying living. The tale of lives transformed by God through one person living a Christian life and quietly preaching it in her everyday living and loving.
Thank you for such a good clean book on a rainy week & I will look for these books in the future.
I chose a five star rating, which I only give to the books I feel are entertaining, with well written plots and believable characters. This book qualifies.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for the late 1800s western genre of rough, but satisfying living. The tale of lives transformed by God through one person living a Christian life and quietly preaching it in her everyday living and loving.
Thank you for such a good clean book on a rainy week & I will look for these books in the future.
August 19, 2016
Secrets on the Wind
I loved this book. I loved the scriptures, the whole plot of letting us see just how God can work in our lives. I loved, "I want to master this book so that the Master of this book can master me"!!! I've even written this in the front of my Bible, I think it is a beautiful expression of how we should see our Bible.
I loved this book. I loved the scriptures, the whole plot of letting us see just how God can work in our lives. I loved, "I want to master this book so that the Master of this book can master me"!!! I've even written this in the front of my Bible, I think it is a beautiful expression of how we should see our Bible.
November 10, 2018
A beautifully written story about faith in God’s love during the hardest of times. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
January 20, 2021
A surprisingly dark story for this type of book. The grey areas and lack of moral high ground is part of what I love about her books while they’re also wonderful adventures full of interesting characters. There are no perfect Christians in this story and thank God for that!
October 15, 2018
I thought that this was going to be a 5-star book - until I got to the end. Then it twisted and the theme of redemption got lost. Disappointing ending, with no hope in sight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2019
This is a very solid historical novel with some romance incorporated. Real people, real problems, not taking the first tidy solution. Recommended.
January 8, 2019
A typcial US Army outpost in the late 19th century harbours a variety of people, namely Nathan, a young Sergeant close to breaking under his grief, Laine, a young woman, who survived horrible traumas, Caleb, a young recruit hiding under a false identy, and embracing them all is Granny Maxwell, who trusts in God, no matter what life throws at her, and trying to help and advise, or just console, everone around her.
The story captivated me right from the very beginning, and held me tight until I had read the last word. I think the message is, that with God's help, you can overcome everything life throws at you, and that you have to trust that He knows the why, even if you don't understand.
Reading about Laine's life before she came to the outpost, and how she slowly, step for step, started to trust people again, made me smile and ache for her suffering; Nathan, you just want to grab and shake, Caleb initially seemed to deserve all that happened to him, but to see the changes in him was just heartwarming.
I think the author covered every human feeling in this book, from anger and despair to love and hope, and into all of it the message to trust in a higher loving authority woven in.
I loved this book and am looking forward to the next one in this series.
The story captivated me right from the very beginning, and held me tight until I had read the last word. I think the message is, that with God's help, you can overcome everything life throws at you, and that you have to trust that He knows the why, even if you don't understand.
Reading about Laine's life before she came to the outpost, and how she slowly, step for step, started to trust people again, made me smile and ache for her suffering; Nathan, you just want to grab and shake, Caleb initially seemed to deserve all that happened to him, but to see the changes in him was just heartwarming.
I think the author covered every human feeling in this book, from anger and despair to love and hope, and into all of it the message to trust in a higher loving authority woven in.
I loved this book and am looking forward to the next one in this series.
April 25, 2009
This was the first of Stephanie's books that I read, and it hooked me on her writing. Lyrical prose, an intriguing setting and characters who live long after you've turned the page -- what more can a reader want?
March 4, 2008
Excellent historical Christian fiction. SEtt in 1878 Nebraska Army camp.
June 5, 2012
I REALLY liked this one and can't wait to finish the series! The story was very good and had a surprise twist at the end that I wasn't expecting! I love Stephanie Grace Whitson's books!
August 2, 2017
A very good read!
I could hardly put the book down to go to bed. It never ceases to amaze me how God can make everything, even the most dire situations right and good
I could hardly put the book down to go to bed. It never ceases to amaze me how God can make everything, even the most dire situations right and good
February 5, 2021
The preface to chapter one is Psalm 139:7-8 “Whither shall I flee from thy presence...If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” This gives a foreshadowing of one of the themes that runs throughout the book.
[Spoilers] In the opening scene, First Sergeant Nathan Boone and an older veteran soldier, Emmet Dorsey discover a fire blackened soddy, all but ruined with arrows clinging to the face of the sod like quills. It looks like an attack. Near the soddy, they find a dead squatter. Inside the hut there is a massive white dog, dead, in what appears to be his final act of defense for his master. But no, he was guarding the trapdoor that reveals a wild human animal, filthy, but because of the calico dress, they realize is a human female. She has escaped death because the dog hid her hiding place. It presently comes to light that all types of people have taken advantage of this poor woman.
Laina is brought to Camp Robinson and put under the care of Granny Max, an ex-slave with an unending amount of love for those in need and an intuitive ability to counsel the needy. Granny Max has a history of loving back to emotional health many, a recently revived is Sergeant Boone after the loss of his wife. She truly is a collector of lost, bruised, and hurting souls. There is a very old chorus called “Sermon in Shoes” and Granny Max is that type of sermon, she walks, talks, and lives a life that points to her anchor and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. During one of their casual work and talk sessions, Laina asks her if she wondered about the “Why of things.” I love Granny’s answer, “That is what faith is, child. Learning to live in peace in the very center of all the things that don’t seem to make sense” (page 60). One way that Granny Max earned a living was by washing all the soldiers clothing. As Laina and Granny wash clothes, Laina expresses the difficulty of keeping her life “cleaned up.” Granny’s great quote, “So the whole point, honey-lamb, is we stop trying to get ourselves cleaned up. We just let the good Lord Jesus take all the dirt” (page 214).
This story was satisfying on many levels, although life is shown in much starkness with troubles, sorrow, death, misunderstandings; characters grew and changed. After reading the last word, I knew this book was a 5-star read.
[Spoilers] In the opening scene, First Sergeant Nathan Boone and an older veteran soldier, Emmet Dorsey discover a fire blackened soddy, all but ruined with arrows clinging to the face of the sod like quills. It looks like an attack. Near the soddy, they find a dead squatter. Inside the hut there is a massive white dog, dead, in what appears to be his final act of defense for his master. But no, he was guarding the trapdoor that reveals a wild human animal, filthy, but because of the calico dress, they realize is a human female. She has escaped death because the dog hid her hiding place. It presently comes to light that all types of people have taken advantage of this poor woman.
Laina is brought to Camp Robinson and put under the care of Granny Max, an ex-slave with an unending amount of love for those in need and an intuitive ability to counsel the needy. Granny Max has a history of loving back to emotional health many, a recently revived is Sergeant Boone after the loss of his wife. She truly is a collector of lost, bruised, and hurting souls. There is a very old chorus called “Sermon in Shoes” and Granny Max is that type of sermon, she walks, talks, and lives a life that points to her anchor and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. During one of their casual work and talk sessions, Laina asks her if she wondered about the “Why of things.” I love Granny’s answer, “That is what faith is, child. Learning to live in peace in the very center of all the things that don’t seem to make sense” (page 60). One way that Granny Max earned a living was by washing all the soldiers clothing. As Laina and Granny wash clothes, Laina expresses the difficulty of keeping her life “cleaned up.” Granny’s great quote, “So the whole point, honey-lamb, is we stop trying to get ourselves cleaned up. We just let the good Lord Jesus take all the dirt” (page 214).
This story was satisfying on many levels, although life is shown in much starkness with troubles, sorrow, death, misunderstandings; characters grew and changed. After reading the last word, I knew this book was a 5-star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this Christian fiction book. Sometimes I am put off when reading Christian fiction because they often seem to a fairly predictable romance and the characters seem 'too perfect.' That definitely was not the case with this novel. The two main male characters in the book are especially well developed in showing their weaknesses and problems to overcome and they don't both automatically overcome their problems by the end of the novel. I loved the character of Grannie Max with all her love towards other and her spiritual advice.
Not only did I enjoy the plot but also found all the spiritual messages woven into the plot very meaningful. I had not read any of Whitson's book in a long time and I was reminded of how much I had always enjoyed her books in the past. She is definitely one of my favorite Christian fiction authors.
I visited Fort Robinson in Nebraska on a trip two years ago and spent some time in the historical museum there so it was particularly interesting for me to read a book set in that location. The geography there is quite different from how most people visualize Nebraska in their mind.
Not only did I enjoy the plot but also found all the spiritual messages woven into the plot very meaningful. I had not read any of Whitson's book in a long time and I was reminded of how much I had always enjoyed her books in the past. She is definitely one of my favorite Christian fiction authors.
I visited Fort Robinson in Nebraska on a trip two years ago and spent some time in the historical museum there so it was particularly interesting for me to read a book set in that location. The geography there is quite different from how most people visualize Nebraska in their mind.
July 24, 2020
I don't know how it happened, but I managed to have both the Audible and the Kindle versions sitting in my library and had never opened either one. Since I have begun listening at work, I decided to try this one, although I had never read anything by this author before. I didn't immediately enjoy it. In addition to the slow start as I didn't want to read a military story, I had problems at times following the story line because I was listening while paying attention to other things, and sometimes I couldn't keep track of the characters by the various voices the reader used. (The reader was very good, and I liked especially her voice for Granny Max and her singing, but I think sometimes some characters may have lost their distinction.) However, the story pulled me in and when I was not working, I was reading with my eyes. What a wonderful story of redemption, of the power of salvation to completely change a person, and of the influence one person can have as a light to others. I like that I was surprised at how the story ended, and I will be looking for more books by this author.
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January 18, 2020I will give this 3 stars. I enjoyed this book and the story of life on a frontier US Army camp. The problem I have is with the transition of Riverboat Annie to Laina Grey-I was oaky with it until about 3/4 in. In the beginning, Private Jackson was portrayed as a man who was a loose cannon and Sergeant Boone a solid rock. Although he was a bit arrogant, he was a good man and Private Jackson just a step above a scoundrel.
I am at a loss to figure out why Laina choose him over Boone. If the character had been developed a bit more and the last romp with the doctor's daughter hadn't occurred, I guess I could have accepted it easier. But Boone was her protector form the beginning and she just brushed him off not once but twice. There was just nothing to build on but but not playing cards and fighting anymore and having a soft spot for the Cheyenne and talking about God.
It was confusing but still a good story and I especially liked Granny Max.
I am at a loss to figure out why Laina choose him over Boone. If the character had been developed a bit more and the last romp with the doctor's daughter hadn't occurred, I guess I could have accepted it easier. But Boone was her protector form the beginning and she just brushed him off not once but twice. There was just nothing to build on but but not playing cards and fighting anymore and having a soft spot for the Cheyenne and talking about God.
It was confusing but still a good story and I especially liked Granny Max.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
It has been many years since I have read this book, but I remember that I enjoyed it so much. In fact, it was the first Stephanie Grace Whitson that I had read, and it was not the last. I read the next two in the series. I do remember that I enjoyed this one a great deal. I also appreciated the story of the author and how she came to be an author. She sounded like a woman that I would appreciate knowing. I have lost touch of her writings over the last few years, and I don't know why. I am going to be picking her up again.
Her characters are very real. I enjoyed the reality that all of life is not good nor is it always cut and dried. There was an element to Whitson's writing style that really drew me in to the story.
Her characters are very real. I enjoyed the reality that all of life is not good nor is it always cut and dried. There was an element to Whitson's writing style that really drew me in to the story.
September 18, 2017
An inspirational, encouraging, Christian, light romance set in1878 in Nebraska at an Army post during their daily regiments.
Four people that stand out; Laina, a young girl that had been abused, she is struggling to get her life back together. Nathan Boone lost his wife and is healing and is helping Laina heal. Also a new soldier who took a new name for himself and joined the Army to forget his past. Granny Max an older, strong woman, she helps the body and soul heal with her wonderful words of wisdom and her faith.
The characters have memorial personalities with hope for the future and redemption. The story flows easily, the plot is full of hardships, hope and love coming from a good storyteller Stephanie Grace Whitson. I enjoyed the spiritual Bible phases and Granny Max giving love to everyone and the way she hears God knowing that he is always there. All the spiritual phases fit easily together with the plot and is not overwhelming everything works together. A WONDERFUL story.
Four people that stand out; Laina, a young girl that had been abused, she is struggling to get her life back together. Nathan Boone lost his wife and is healing and is helping Laina heal. Also a new soldier who took a new name for himself and joined the Army to forget his past. Granny Max an older, strong woman, she helps the body and soul heal with her wonderful words of wisdom and her faith.
The characters have memorial personalities with hope for the future and redemption. The story flows easily, the plot is full of hardships, hope and love coming from a good storyteller Stephanie Grace Whitson. I enjoyed the spiritual Bible phases and Granny Max giving love to everyone and the way she hears God knowing that he is always there. All the spiritual phases fit easily together with the plot and is not overwhelming everything works together. A WONDERFUL story.
November 30, 2024
Wow, I couldn't put this one down. It is a story that takes place at a military outpost in Nebraska in 1878. Two soldiers are riding back to base when the happen on a dugout and notice that a man is hanging dead with multiple arrows. When they go in the dugout there is a dead dog on the floor. They move the dog and find a hidey hole beneath him and upon opening the door a crazy young woman comes out. And the story is mainly about the woman, the soldiers, Granny Max, and their lives on the outpost.
October 17, 2018
I was really enjoying this book until Laina went from being humble to seemingly self-righteous. I don't understand why Nathan Boone's character was developed throughout the story, and then his character suddenly fades into the background. Really? A single, pregnant woman with no family in the late 1800's would refuse a respectable, responsible man's proposal because he was struggling with his faith? The ending was stupid; I don't plan to read any more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2018
Good story outline but....
Some Nice parts but over all it was like the outline sketch of a story with the guts of it missing. Important scenes glossed over and unimportant written in too much detail. This writer needs courage to write the tricky difficult parts and not just fast forward them.
Some Nice parts but over all it was like the outline sketch of a story with the guts of it missing. Important scenes glossed over and unimportant written in too much detail. This writer needs courage to write the tricky difficult parts and not just fast forward them.
November 12, 2018
Good Book
I thought this book started a little slow,but the end was unexpected and,for me a little disappointing that the happily ever after was different from what I wanted. Worth the read. Did like the use of scripture at the beginning of each chapter and the spiritual content in the story.
I thought this book started a little slow,but the end was unexpected and,for me a little disappointing that the happily ever after was different from what I wanted. Worth the read. Did like the use of scripture at the beginning of each chapter and the spiritual content in the story.
December 6, 2018
i read this historical book in small installments. Makes me sad about the history setting time for this story in camp Robinson. Life for army personal and civilians when the Indian wars were so called over. Interesting characters, believable characters with a God element. to me a surprise connection.
September 27, 2020
I really enjoyed the characters and the setting, but the story did plod along at some points. Granny Max is my favorite character of all. I did not appreciate the ending because there wasn’t much build up to it. The last 3 chapters of a 28 chapter book is not enough time to build up the type of relationship the author expects us to believe.
July 3, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing what happened to the various characters,also how God works throughout our lives. It was interesting to see how some of the characters came to believe and changed their lives and showed how God loves everyone despite the mistakes they make. Now I want to read the rest of the series and see how things turn out for the ones who didn't end up with someone to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews